Try the political quiz
@ISIDEWITHQuestionsNational security2yrs ago

Should the government invest in artificial intelligence (AI) for defense applications?

AI in defense refers to the use of artificial intelligence technologies to enhance military capabilities, such as autonomous drones, cyber defense, and strategic decision-making. Proponents argue that AI can significantly enhance military effectiveness, provide strategic advantages, and improve national security. Opponents argue that AI poses ethical risks, potential loss of human control, and can lead to unintended consequences in critical situations.

+
Expand
+ Settings

Toggle voterbase

Statistics are shown for this demographic

Answer Overview

Response rates from 22.7k Australia voters.

58%
Yes
42%
No
52%
Yes
40%
No
4%
Yes, but only to assist and not replace human decision making
2%
No, we need more testing in controlled environments first
2%
Yes, but with very strict oversight and regulations

Historical Support

Trend of support over time for each answer from 22.7k Australia voters.

Loading data...

Loading chart... 

Historical Importance

Trend of how important this issue is for 22.7k Australia voters.

Loading data...

Loading chart... 

Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from Australia voters whose views went beyond the provided options.

  @munternumb answered…1wk1W

Yes as long with very strict oversight and regulations and assist and sometimes not replace human decision making.

 @BBHXTRRanswered…4mos4MO

I am very wary of AI and have warned about it...we already have problems with imported tech which may have 'cut-out switehes' icluded - and AI is dangerous in many ways since it appears to be a human and can become a Terminator. You think I'm joking - look at the keyboard warriors now... wait until they can have a 'real' AI face etc... and you one day find yourself answering to yourself online in a video and nobody know which is you.

 @9WR8GCTanswered…2yrs2Y

Please approach AI with caution. It is a wonderful tool but can also very easily go badly wrong.

 @B523B3Ranswered…1yr1Y

Bad question - "AI" is a broad term, and most people don't have the faintest notion of what is meant by "AI" anyway

 @B4TQW97answered…1yr1Y

NO. ai is way too irregular and not even accurate. especially right now. AI cant even make a persons hand look normal without adding 3 extra fingers. AI can stay away

 @B4SC78Canswered…1yr1Y

Yes, within certain areas. Some applications are better suited such as infantry however others such as artillery are not. The goal should be to full scale AI enhancement to mitigate loss of life.

 @B4BSH59answered…1yr1Y

The Australian government relies on old handoffs from other countries for their military and don't even have mobile artillery. They aren't capable of properly developing that.Even if they did they won't have the capacity to do anything major with it.

 @9YM4RGFanswered…2yrs2Y

Yes, but it must always have human oversight and final human decision making, and it must not be used to target civilians or break international laws

Popular Conversations

Join in on the most popular conversations.

Active 3wks ago

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...…2yrs2Y

Do you support the government calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza?

Yes

▲  1.4k6 replies5 disagree

About This Data

Based on 22.7k responses to this question.

These results come from iSideWith's ongoing political issues survey. We collect over a million responses per day, filter out duplicate and multiple submissions, and break the results down by political party, ideology, age, state, and census demographics (income, race, education, household).

iSideWith is non-partisan — we don't advocate for any party, candidate, or position. We report what the public tells us.

Read Our Full Methodology →

Cite Or Embed This Poll

Writing about this issue? Use the live data and link back to the full results.

Cite This Poll

iSideWith. (2026). “Should the government invest in artificial intelligence (AI) for defense applications?” — Public Opinion Poll Results. Retrieved June 18, 2026, from https://australia.isidewith.com/poll/5139230822

Embed The Live Result

Preview